The branded residences market in Asia is soaring as buyers from across the world purchase second homes in “playground cities” or tropical resort destinations. Singapore buyers are leading regional buyers, fuelling the growth of the sector, driven by a domestic environment not conducive to investment in second or third homes given high taxation and stamp duty.
In a marketplace valued at US$26.6 billion for a supply of 68,001 units, the top regional branded residences destination is Thailand, which commands 23.3 percent market share, according to the recently released C9 Hotelworks’ Asia Branded Residences Market Update, and where Phuket has the highest number of units at 4,771 across 26 developments.
Following Thailand is the Philippines with 17.3 percent share and South Korea with 11.6 percent. Singapore has a branded residences market value of US$2.78 billion, but has the third highest per square metre value of US$23,026 psm, behind Niseko and Seoul.
“The value of the Singapore branded residence market is significant,” said Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks. “But the headline here is the strong appetite of Singaporean buyers to buy in the region, buoyed by the confidence and service benefits international luxury brands bring to the table, and Thailand is the leading beneficiary.”
The growth is not lost on top regional developers, some of whom are establishing their own brands, such as Hong Kong’s Lang Kwai Fong Group. The conglomerate recently launched their second project in Phuket, the lifestyle-focused award-winning Sudara Residences, following the success of the pioneering exclusive Andara villa development.
“There’s a trust factor here,” said Ananth Ramchandran, Head of Advisory & Strategic Transactions, Hotels and Hospitality – Asia, CBRE. “Singaporeans take a lot of comfort in investing with recognised developers.”
Jason Thelen, Senior Director – Sales and Marketing at Sudara Residences added: “Singapore has quickly become our top regional market for buyers looking for second homes, making up over 45 percent of regional purchases.”
Ascott’s entry into the branded residences sector has also caught the attention of many industry observers. “Ascott has a long-standing reputation of operating serviced residences, hotels, resorts and co-living properties over the years,” said Saowarin Chanprakaisi, Vice President, Business Development, The Ascott Limited.
“As more developers enter the branded residences space, we look forward to partnering with them to deliver distinctive brand experiences homeowners look for through our Ascott, The Crest Collection, and Oakwood Premier brands.”
Luxury brands outside the international hospitality chains are also eyeing the sector, where automobile brands such as Bentley and luxury fashion brands including Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi Casa are entering the fray.
Brought to Asia by The One Atelier, having launched celebrated projects in Miami and Dubai such as 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana, Miami and Casa Canal with interiors by Fendi Casa, Dubai, the company is finding fertile ground in Asia.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image1-2.png7841200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-03-06 11:00:002025-03-04 17:10:20Branded Residences Growth in Asia Surges as Second-Home Buyers Flee Domestic Market
A new study by Schneider Electric has found that more than half of companies in Singapore are contemplating investments to increase their sources of clean energy. In a January 2025 survey of more than 500 senior business leaders, 57 percent said they were planning to invest in solar power by 2030. The respondents also indicated plans to invest in hydropower (40 percent), bioenergy (29 percent), mobile nuclear[1] (26 percent) and wind energy (16 percent).[2]
This proactive stance is being driven partially out of a need to curb electricity-related emissions. Six in 10 business leaders said over half of their Scope 1 and 2 emissions come from electricity consumption. Among business leaders with plans to invest in renewable energy sources, the most cited motivation for the investment was the need to meet emissions targets.
Mechanisms for investments in solar, the most popular technology, included self-funded on-site installations (among businesses operating on owned premises), as well as the exploration of co-funding options with landlords or tenants (among businesses operating on leased premises).
Carbon concerns are also being fuelled by rising electricity use, with 82 percent of Singapore business leaders anticipating that their organisations will consume at least 10 percent more electricity this year than they did in 2020. Digital technologies, particularly AI, was the top reason for this; followed by the growing electrification of various systems and business growth leading to a larger operational footprint.
Nevertheless, business leaders said they would continue investing in digital technologies and AI. Seven in 10 said they expected these technologies would help them cut their emissions in the long run. Survey respondents came from 19 different industries; and included board members, C-suite executives, directors and senior managers from small, medium, and large local and multinational corporations. All are involved in leading the sustainability strategies for their organisations.
The results of the survey were presented at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Day 2025, a premier stakeholder event where industry leaders gather to network and share best practices. This year’s theme, “Scaling Up for a Net-Zero Singapore”, reinforces the company’s commitment to partnering with local organisations to support their transition to a low-carbon future.
Energy Management Systems Gaining Acceptance
To address rising electricity consumption and emissions levels, business leaders are showing a readiness to adopt various new technologies. Currently, half of all those surveyed said their businesses are using energy management systems. When asked which other energy management technologies they would be keen on, 52 percent of respondents said they hoped to make an investment in battery storage systems and 49 percent said they would invest in smart grids.
Challenges to Raising Renewable Energy Mix
Although 96 percent of companies have set renewable energy targets, confidence of meeting these goals was low. Only 30 percent were highly confident of achieving their 2025 targets, and 29 percent believed they would meet 2030 targets. Respondents cited the high cost of renewable energy investments (31 percent) and the need for technology upgrades (24 percent) as challenges they faced. The availability of renewable energy in Singapore is also a hurdle, they said.
Against that backdrop, Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President Singapore and Brunei, said: “Given the importance of decarbonisation to our planet, the public and private sector must deepen the conversation on what it takes to raise the portion of renewables in the energy mix for businesses in Singapore. Digital technologies can play an important role in energy management and decarbonisation. Many of these technologies are mature, proven and economically viable for businesses. This study is part of Schneider Electric’s efforts to understand our stakeholders and their concerns, so we can better cater to their needs and advance progress on sustainability.”
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image1-1.png3381200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-03-05 11:00:002025-03-04 17:07:48Companies Investing to Raise Renewables in Energy Mix as Carbon Concerns Grow
Reading Time: 2minutesAs markets evolve, so do the demands of industries. Trends change, technology advances, and the future of lighting and design unfolds. After pioneering ten successful editions, LED Expo Thailand has become a niche hub for the lighting industry, fostering networking, innovation, and progress. However, the time has come for a transformation beyond just being a marketplace – it’s time to innovate, recreate, and shift the focus to design, aesthetics and collaboration.
With this in mind, there has been a complete evolution of LED Expo Thailand into the ASEAN Light + Design Expo 2025. This isn’t merely a name change – it marks a full-scale revamp of the event that reflects the industry’s ongoing metamorphosis. ASEAN Light + Design Expo will continue to serve as the premier destination for sourcing all lighting needs while expanding its scope to become a vibrant forum for showcasing the latest lighting design and technology trends.
The new expo will celebrate the synergy between lighting and design, where functionality meets creativity. Beyond simply displaying products, the event will highlight the most innovative, aesthetically driven lighting solutions through dynamic installations, inspiring workshops, and hands-on experiences. Professionals in the lighting and design industries will be able to engage with cutting-edge solutions, tools, and techniques that address the ever-changing market dynamics.
For buyers and sellers alike, ASEAN Light + Design Expo is set to be more than just a trade show, it’s a bustling marketplace of ideas, collaboration, and transformative solutions. Attendees will witness the industry’s brightest minds come together, creating an environment where creativity flourishes and new opportunities are born. The show will also feature captivating lighting installations, creating an atmosphere akin to a lighting festival, ensuring no industry professional will want to miss this immersive experience.
In addition to lighting, the event will spotlight the booming Smart Technologies sector, which has emerged as a key driver of modern lifestyle design. With the global smart home market projected to reach $313.95 billion by 2026, demand for smart home products, office solutions, and building automation technologies continues to rise. The co-located Smart Living Expo will offer insights into cutting-edge innovations that integrate smart technologies into homes and offices, enhancing design and functionality.
The event runs from 17 to 19 September 2025 at the IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
Construction growth in Singapore sees a 12 percent rise in productivity in 2024, outstripping the country’s modest overall GDP growth rate of 2 to 3 percent four times over, according to global professional services company, Turner & Townsend.
With construction volume anticipated to reach between S$32 billion to S$38 billion by the end of 20242, Turner and Townsend’s Singapore Market Intelligence cites a series of government-backed initiatives and major state projects, such as Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) and Tuas Port, are key contributors boosting demand.
Recent built environment incentives including the enhanced Contractors Registration System (CRS), the Productivity Innovation Project (PIP), the Future Energy Fund and Energy Efficient Grant are supporting activity. By year-end, the Singaporean state is expected to contribute to 55 percent of domestic construction projects while the private sector is poised for a contribution of 45 percent.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability, the construction market in Singapore is also benefitting from investment in digital infrastructure and the launch of the NEC4,3 contract by the Building Construction Authority (BCA). The latter provides favourable conditions and extensive options for collaborative contracting.
While the overall growth trajectory is positive for the domestic construction sector, there are still challenges to navigate principally the availability of skilled labour. The departure of many construction workers during the pandemic continues to highlight the labour squeeze and increasing costs to secure the right talent.
Khoo Sze Boon, Managing Director, Turner & Townsend in Singapore, said, “Construction demand in Singapore is on course to surpass last year by a significant margin which is positive for our domestic economy. The industry’s overall positive outlook stems from the series of ongoing government initiatives connected to the built environment including robust schemes to promote funding, foster technological advancements, ensure ease of doing business, and boost sustainable green initiatives.
“While challenges persist, such as manpower shortages and rising costs, optimism around collaborative contracting schemes and the digitisation of processes will further improve productivity. We believe now is the time for our industry to really embrace collaborative contracting which will offset rising construction costs and transform the construction sector for the better to ensure long-term resilience.”
1) GDP growth according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore, and construction growth according to the Building Construction Authority, calculated based on the 2024 demand forecast of $38 billion over the 2023 demand of $33.8 billion.
2) According to the Building Construction Authority as of 15 January 2024
3) NEC4 contract is a suite of contracts for effective project management and collaboration
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-19.png9001200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-03-03 11:00:002025-02-25 15:22:48Singapore’s Construction Industry Set to Outpace the Country’s GDP Growth Rate This Year
Reading Time: 3minutesVolvo CE is once again driving progress in these machines with the unveiling of its most ambitious and advanced lineup to date. The New Generation Articulated Hauler range features cutting-edge innovation that delivers smart connectivity, increased productivity, and lower emissions to customers.
The New Generation of Articulated Haulers has launched in Asia, in line with the company’s “Our EDGE to Success” strategy, which emphasises the company’s dedication to customer success through high-performance products, top-tier services, and a reliable distribution network. This latest lineup is being introduced in markets across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea. With more than 35 percent of its lineup refreshed in the past year, the introduction of the New Generation Articulated Haulers in Asia continues Volvo CE’s most extensive product update in decades.
Unveiling the New Generation articulated haulers
In Asia, the New Generation Articulated Hauler range features the A35, A40, A45 models, all customised to meet specific regional requirements. In Southeast Asia, the units feature a Tier 2-compliant Volvo diesel engine, while in Japan and Korea, the engines are Tier 4 Final and Stage V-compliant respectively.
Since introducing the world’s first Articulated Hauler, “Gravel Charlie,” back in 1966, Volvo CE has remained the trusted industry leader in this segment, continuously setting new benchmarks in quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. The New Generation Articulated Hauler range continues this legacy by introducing groundbreaking enhancements that improve performance and longevity, including:
Enhanced transmission – Engineered for greater efficiency, offering up to 15 percent fuel savings based on model and application.
Refined cab design – Prioritising operator safety and comfort with features like hanging pedals and quick, easy adjustments to seat and steering wheel positions, to reduce fatigue and improve workflow.
Boosted productivity – Optimised for challenging job sites to maximise output and efficiency.
Innovative design – Future-proofed to seamlessly integrate evolving drivetrain technology.
Improved suspension system – Delivering enhanced stability and ride comfort across tough terrains.
Stronger axles – Ensuring increased durability and long-term reliability.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and greater uptime – Reducing operating expenses while maximising machine uptime.
A Vision for the Future
Volvo CE continues to invest in its Braås production facility in Sweden, ensuring that the New Generation of Articulated Haulers meets the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and efficiency. The latest models feature low-carbon emission steel, crafted from recycled materials and produced with fossil-free electricity, further underscoring Volvo CE’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Tomas Kuta, President of Region Asia, Volvo CE comments, “As Asia continues to invest heavily in infrastructure development and prioritise productivity across construction and other industries, our New Generation Articulated Haulers are designed to meet these evolving demands. These machines set new benchmarks for efficiency, durability, and operator comfort while supporting sustainable operations. With this launch, Volvo CE reaffirms its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive site efficiency and elevate industry standards.”
This launch represents a significant milestone in Volvo CE’s dedication to technological advancement and leadership in the construction equipment industry. Just as it did with the world’s first Articulated Hauler, Volvo CE continues to set the standard for industry excellence. Featuring state-of-the-art capabilities, cutting-edge advancements, and a focus on sustainability, the New Generation Articulated Hauler series is engineered to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s demands.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-18.png465900Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-02-28 11:00:002025-02-25 15:13:53Volvo CE Brings New Generation Articulated Hauler Range to Region Asia
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has boosted its research and thought leadership capabilities across Asia Pacific with the appointment of Mark Cooper as Senior Director, Thought Leadership of ULI Asia Pacific.
Mark has more than 25 years of experience as a real estate journalist, with 15 years covering the Asia Pacific region. He was formerly editor of industry magazines: AsiaProperty, EuroProperty and IPE Real Estate. Before joining ULI in Hong Kong, he was a freelance writer, researcher and consultant. Mark will produce research and thought leadership content in a variety of formats, focusing on ULI’s core themes and global mission priorities around; sustainability and decarbonisation, housing attainability, capital markets and technology and innovation.
On sustainability and decarbonisation, Mark will work with Jenny Zhang, Director of Sustainability, ULI Asia Pacific. Jenny leads programmes around decarbonisation across the Asia Pacific region, notably the recent Low Carbon Emissions Steel Initiative in China’s real estate sector. Jenny will be supported by Vidyashree Unnikrishnan, who also joined ULI in January as Senior Researcher and is based in Bangalore. Vidyashree has a Master’s degree in Environmental Building Design from the University of Pennsylvania and was formerly ESG Manager for Grosvenor for two years.
May Chow, Chief Development Officer of ULI Asia Pacific, adds, “ULI is a member-centric organisation and we are passionate about collaborating as a powerful collective to deliver industry impact as well as a significant membership value proposition. Our Thought Leadership team will build on our convening platform of regional events, including workshops and conferences, by highlighting key insights drawn from the expertise in the room and developing these in greater depth for wider distribution.”
Alan Beebe, Chief Executive of ULI Asia Pacific, said: “Our members comprise professionals from across the real estate value chain and they are a hugely valuable source of industry expertise. Expanding our thought leadership capabilities in-house, allows us to channel much of this extensive knowledge, and firmly position ULI as an industry thought leader across Capital Markets, Housing Attainability and the Decarbonisation of the Built Environment. Mark is already a well-established industry ‘thought leader’ and we are delighted to have him on board to spearhead this regional initiative. Additionally, I would like to personally thank our philanthropic donors and corporate sponsors who have helped us to realise our vision, and we look to continue partnering with industry organisations to further support our mission priorities in Asia Pacific.”
Mark Cooper said: “I am delighted to join ULI and look forward to building on the success of market-leading reports such as Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific and the Home Attainability Index. We plan to develop a broad range of thoughtful and useful content, which will help members and the wider industry navigate an increasingly complex real estate landscape.”
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-16.png6271200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-02-27 11:00:002025-02-25 15:10:19ULI Expands Thought Leadership Team in Asia Pacific
Reading Time: 4minutesHilton announced the signing of three new hotels in Southeast Asia, reflecting the global hospitality company’s continued ambition to expand its focused service presence in the region. Hilton Garden Inn Hoi’An Tra Que Village will mark Hilton’s foray into Hoi An, Vietnam, while Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran will expand Hilton’s footprint in Sabah, Malaysia. Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua in Indonesia will reinforce Hilton’s growing presence in the holiday hotspot.
In response to the growing demand for affordable, upscale accommodation across Southeast Asia, Hilton plans to more than triple its focused service footprint in the region in the coming years, increasing the number of Hilton Garden Inn properties, as well as other mid-market branded hotels, from 12 to 40. Vietnam, in particular, will witness the biggest expansion from the two focused service properties currently in operation to almost 20.
“Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam are experiencing record tourism arrivals as some of the most-visited destinations in Southeast Asia. We are growing our focused service presence to cater to rising intra-regional travel and an upwardly mobile middle class arriving from all over the region, looking to deliver everything our customers want where they want it,” said Alexandra Murray, area vice president and regional head of Southeast Asia, Hilton.
Hilton currently offers 102 properties in Southeast Asia and is on track to expand its portfolio by more than 50 per cent in the coming years.
“Our development approach is to bring the right brand to the right place at the right time. In Southeast Asia, we see focused service hotels as a prime investment opportunity for developers driven by a growing base of middle-class, value-driven travelers finding improved ease and accessibility of travel in the region. This is an ideal moment to expand our portfolio, beginning with key gateway cities, followed by expansion into secondary markets,” said Maria Ariizumi, vice president, Development, Southeast Asia, Hilton. “The three new Hilton Garden Inn properties are being developed with both new and existing owners, which is also a testament to the confidence of our owners in the Hilton Garden Inn brand and Hilton’s robust commercial engine.”
Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran
Home to the famed Mount Kinabalu and diverse geological habitats, Sabah is one of Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations. The state welcomed more than three million tourists in 2024, marking a 20 percent increase from 2023. Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran promises to bring Hilton Garden Inn’s world-class hospitality to Sabah with its welcoming hospitality and glowing service. The newly built hotel will include 160 rooms, starting from 35 square meters, and guests can enjoy food and beverage options at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, alongside amenities such as a fitness centre and pool to unwind and recharge.
Situated along the shores of Tuaran, a town in the west coast division of Sabah, nature lovers can look forward to direct access to unspoiled beachfronts and lush mangrove forests such as the Sulaman Wetland Mangrove Forest, a 488-acre protected wetland reserve privately managed for conservation, education, and eco-tourism. The property is located north of the state capital, Kota Kinabalu, and is easily accessible via two main thoroughfares, Route 3 and Route 606, allowing travellers to traverse between Kota Kinabalu and Northern Sabah.
Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua
Known for its lush landscapes and mesmerizing sunsets, Bali is a highly sought-after destination for local and international travellers with the island recording more than six million visitors last year alone. Located in southern Bali, Nusa Dua is renowned for its pristine beaches and world-class water sports.
Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua will be Hilton’s fifth property in Bali, joining other properties such as Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts which opened in 2023. The resort will be a short distance from the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre (BNDCC) and the Bali Collection, the area’s largest outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, providing business and leisure travellers with convenient access to the area’s many attractions. The resort will have 159 rooms and suites spanning up to 67 square meters, with thoughtful touches throughout the rooms’ design and amenities. Guests can enjoy meals at the resort’s all-day dining outlet, Together & Co., work out at the fitness centre, or relax and rejuvenate at the pool or spa. Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua also has an event space of over 220 square meters and three meeting rooms at 74 square meters, ideal for hosting a range of corporate and social events.
Hilton Garden Inn Hoi’An Tra Que Village
Touted as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places to visit, the coastal canal city of Hoi An is recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated destinations. Situated between Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and An Bang Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Hoi’An Tra Que Village will serve as the ideal base for travellers to experience Hoi An’s historical significance, cultural richness and coastal beauty. The property is also close to popular tourist hotspots such as Danang City Center and My Son Sanctuary.
The property will have 250 rooms, with rooms starting from 28 square meters. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of culinary options, with three dining outlets, two bars and an all-day dining restaurant. The hotel will also offer 100 square meters of meeting space, suitable for corporate meetings and social gatherings. Guests looking to maintain their fitness regimes during their stay can visit the hotel’s fitness centre or pool.
Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran, Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua and Hilton Garden Inn Hoi’An Tra Que Village will be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands comprising more than 8,400 properties in 140 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi.
Hilton also continues to grow its luxury portfolio across the Asia Pacific region, announcing plans last year to surpass 150 luxury hotels in the market in the coming years. Over the next two years, Hilton will open seven Waldorf Astoria properties in Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xi’an and Hanoi. Conrad Hotels & Resorts is expanding with upcoming properties in prime travel destinations across China, including Xi’an, Chengdu, and Nanjing, as well as in Nagoya, Japan. Hilton also has expanded its luxury offering with the recent introduction of LXR Hotels & Resorts to Southeast Asia with Umana Bali, its second property in the region, following ROKU KYOTO in Japan.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-17.png7971200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-02-26 11:00:002025-02-25 14:05:36New Signings Put Hilton on Track to Triple Midscale Presence in Southeast Asia
Reading Time: 2minutesThe Asian Hardware Online Exhibition 2025 (AsianHardware 2025) is set to redefine the hardware products industry with its innovative hybrid format, seamlessly blending virtual and physical elements. Scheduled to run from 25 February to 31 May 2025, the exhibition provides an unparalleled opportunity for Asian suppliers, importers, and exporters to connect, collaborate, and showcase their brands on a global scale.
Jointly organised by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), AsianHardware 2025 has delivered exceptional results since its inception in 2022, attracting international buyers and generating significant business opportunities. The 2025 edition promises to be even more expansive, with a three-month exhibition period strategically aligned with major international events, including Expo Nacional Ferretera 2025 (Mexico City), National Hardware Show, Fastener Fair Global 2025 and MosBuild – Buildex. This alignment creates a synergistic platform for global buyers, facilitating convenient comparisons and streamlined purchasing experiences.
AsianHardware 2025 has already secured the participation of numerous esteemed Taiwanese suppliers, including industry leaders such as Kingdom Abrasive, Flywell International, Leaven Enterprise and much more. These exhibitors will present their latest innovations across a diverse range of categories, including general hardware, door and window hardware, furniture hardware, cabinet hardware, bathroom hardware, plumbing hardware, sanitary ware and plumbing, bathroom and fitting, lock and safe, hand tool, power tool and accessory, pneumatic and air tool, hydraulic tools and more.
In response to the evolving landscape of international trade, AsianHardware 2025 offers an array of virtual solutions to ensure accessibility and global reach. These include dedicated exhibitor pages, electronic catalogues, and immersive virtual exhibition halls – all seamlessly integrated with TradeAsia. Buyers can explore products, initiate inquiries, and engage in procurement discussions in real-time, eliminating geographical barriers and travel constraints. With its extended duration and comprehensive platform, AsianHardware 2025 is poised to be the most influential event for the hardware products industry in Asia.
Reading Time: 2minutesThe rating agency China Chengxin Green Finance Technology (Beijing) Ltd. has assigned SIBUR an ESG rating of A-, making SIBUR the only Russian company to receive a rating in CCXGF’s highest category. SIBUR also ranks among the top 10 in CCXGF’s ESG rating of global chemical companies.
Regarding the criteria assessed by the rating, SIBUR’s performance easily exceeded the industry average. Notably, the agency gave the company a score of 95.76 out of 100 for environmental stewardship, while the average for other companies in the sector was 52.19. SIBUR also received a score of 80.73 for its work on occupational safety, compared with an average of 55.04 for other companies, and a score of 85.58 for its disclosure of decisions, while the industry average was 36.75.
The analytical report also noted SIBUR’s efforts to recognise, assess and reduce climate risks. Moreover, the authors of the report drew attention to the company’s sustainable development strategy, which, among other things, sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s efforts in the area of biodiversity conservation were also mentioned: SIBUR supports projects and initiatives aimed at species conservation, and its production sites are not located in areas of high biodiversity value.
“The Asia-Pacific countries are developing their expertise when it comes to sustainability and paying increasing attention to the sustainable development agenda every year. In this context, the assignment of an A rating to SIBUR by China’s largest rating agency is a very important result. It confirms that our practices are in compliance with best global practices and is an additional point of engagement for developing dialogue with partners in important markets for the company,” said Alexey Kozlov, SIBUR’s Managing Director and a member of the company’s Management Board.
“We place great value on our partnership with SIBUR and see immense potential in our collaboration with Russian clients,” says Dongyang Xue, President of CCXGF. “CCXGF is at the forefront of domestic green finance and ESG service provision in China. Our expertise positions us to significantly boost SIBUR’s international profile, particularly in the Chinese market. Through our ESG rating, we aim to enhance transparency and foster a deeper understanding of SIBUR among international stakeholders”.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-15.png4881100Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-02-24 11:00:002025-02-25 13:21:53SIBUR Receives Highest-category ESG Rating from China’s Largest Rating Agency
Reading Time: 2minutesLouise Adams succeeds current Group CEO, William (Bill) Cox, whose six-year leadership term saw Aurecon achieve record growth helping clients solve increasingly complex problems including energy security, clean water, urbanisation and climate change.
Aurecon Chair Giam Swiegers said Ms Adams’ outstanding track record of building an engaged culture, delivering strong financial performance and excellence in client services was key to the next phase of Aurecon’s success.
“Louise is a globally recognised business leader, with decades of experience across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Middle East,” Mr Swiegers said, adding, “She has honed razor-sharp insights and strong business acumen over the last four years delivering exceptional results as the group’s current Chief Operating Officer. This combined with Louise’s deep expertise in Asia will continue to enhance our people, trade and investment links across Asia Pacific, supporting our vision of a connected and networked Aurecon.”
As Aurecon’s first female Group Chief Executive Officer Ms Adams will lead approximately 7,500 people in 31 locations across Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Greater China.
Ms Adams said Asia Pacific remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world, marked by economic development, technological advancements, and increasing global influence.
“In today’s world, engineering is not just a means to an end – it’s a force for good. The skills and capabilities that we, as engineers, uniquely bring to the table are key to providing safe and sustainable outcomes for society,”
Ms Adams said. “Immense change is occurring across Asia Pacific and in response Aurecon has diversified our service offerings to address our clients’ most pressing challenges including combating climate change, transitioning to renewable energy and investing in the right technologies. I look forward to using this new role to continue elevating our important work.”
Ms Adams joined Aurecon in 2000 after graduating from the University of South Australia as one of only two women in the graduating class of engineers. Since then, she has remained a strong advocate for equality in STEM, becoming the first female Executive Director on Aurecon’s Global Board and remains a global spokesperson for women in leadership through the Chief Executive Women programme.
Mr Swiegers extended the Board’s gratitude to Mr Cox for his leadership at Aurecon and the contributions he has made during his 35-year distinguished career in engineering advisory services.
“Under Bill’s leadership, Aurecon achieved record profits and expanded its geographical footprint with Aurecon becoming one of Asia Pacific’s largest employee-owned engineering and advisory companies,” he concluded.
Mr Cox will continue to work closely with Ms Adams over the coming months and following 1 July plans to expand his significant and valuable commitment to the broader engineering sector through his directorships and other roles.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-13.png8001200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-02-21 11:00:002025-02-18 15:10:23Louise Adams Appointed as New Group CEO of Aurecon
